Katie Reynolds is a runner-up in the beaches category of our Year of Discovery
writing competition for her vivid description of Mumbai's Chowpatty beach.

The air is hot and close. Flecks of sand compress between warm toes. Thirty seven degrees. A fruity sun glows crimson as it gently touches the horizon and sinks out of sight, casting a dusky pink glow and transforming the dense smog into a mysterious coloured haze above the usually murky waters.

Chowpatty beach, Mumbai, by day is scattered with waste and strangers, but by night the people of the eclectic city flood onto its warm, soft sands to share stories, sell their produce and enjoy the bustle of a city which moves from streets to beach by the setting of the sun. The gentle lapping of the waves is swamped by loud chit-chat and music, yet this makes sweeter sound than any natural noises ever could: the pure, unmasked sound of voices is comforting in a city usually overwhelmed with car horns and traffic.

With a population of its size, Mumbai has a stronger sense of community than any I've visited, and its this simple essence of bustle and life which make it so appealing to visitors – the beautiful architecture, interesting sights and hectic markets cannot match the people of this dignified city, congregated like penguins upon the sands.

Chowpatty at dusk is the finest feature of Mumbai to discover, as it opens a new perspective on the chaotic city-one which casts the people in the leading roles: the street scenes and sights serve only as an interesting backdrop for the stage upon which the locals dance and play. The smells of barbecuing meats and spices, and the sweet shrieks of content children replace the daytime fumes and road noise.

Such a transformation would seem impossible for new visitors who are often shocked and saddened on first impression, but this evening scene is a far cry from the activities and perspectives of the day, which could not, quite simply, be more different. Mumbai is indeed an overwhelming city of chaos and social divisions, but upon this beach no such aspects appear present- all social difficulties seem to dissolve with the sunset, as the homeless drink with the housed, the limbless laugh as they watch the healthy play together, and young wealthy couples stroll along hand in hand.

Chowpatty is indeed a beach for discovery, and after the exhaustion of a day in Mumbai, remains a pleasant evening spot to gather with the locals and really experience the essence of life in the city, which for me, is the greatest experience to be had in Mumbai.